When replacing printer ink or toner, you could go two ways: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or remanufactured. Each varies in cost, print quality, environmental impact, and warranty coverage.
If you need a breakdown of ink vs. toner, refer to our detailed guide on the differences between ink and toner. Here, we’ll compare OEM and remanufactured cartridges to help you choose the right one for your printer.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) printer cartridges
OEM, also known as “name brand” or “genuine” cartridges, are made specifically for your brand of printer such as HP, Canon, Brother, or Epson. To purchase the right cartridge for your printer, you will need to know the corresponding printer models. You can find OEM printer cartridges through our Ink & Toner Finder categorized by brand for easy selection.
OEM cartridges are known for their high quality and reliability, but there are some drawbacks. Let’s go through the pros and cons:
Pros:
- High quality – OEM cartridges are designed for optimal print performance, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors.
- Guaranteed compatibility – Since they are made by the same brand, they work seamlessly with your printer.
- Manufacturer warranty – OEM cartridges often come with a warranty, protecting against defects or performance issues.
Cons:
- Higher price – OEM cartridges are the most expensive option, often costing significantly more than remanufactured or compatible alternatives.
- Environmental impact – Since they are new, they contribute to more plastic waste compared to remanufactured cartridges.
Remanufactured printer cartridges
A remanufactured printer cartridge is an OEM cartridge that has been professionally cleaned, refilled with fresh ink or toner, and tested to ensure quality performance. This process gives used cartridges a recycled life, making them a more eco-friendly option.
You can find remanufactured printer cartridges in our Ink & Toner Finder including Quill® remanufactured cartridges that offer great quality at a great value. Plus, Quill® remanufactured printer cartridges come with a lifetime guarantee to give you more peace of mind about your purchase.
Let’s dive into all the pros and cons of remanufactured cartridges:
Pros:
- Price – Remanufactured cartridges cost 30-50% less than OEM cartridges while maintaining similar print quality.
- Eco-friendly – By reusing cartridges, they help reduce plastic waste and lower carbon footprints.
- Reliability – High-quality remanufactured cartridges are rigorously tested to meet industry standards.
Cons:
- Minor variations in quality – Print quality may differ slightly depending on the remanufacturing process.
- Availability for new printers – These are returned OEM cartridges, so availability can be limited for the latest printer models.
What about compatible (cloned) printer cartridges?
You may come across a third type of cartridge in your search: compatible. These are cartridges that are cloned from molds of OEM cartridges, with no regulation or quality testing. These cartridges are offered at a much lower price, but at a high cost in the long run. The potential issues with cloned cartridges range from receiving cartridges that don’t work at all to cartridges that damage your printer or expose it to security threats.
Read more about the risks of cloned cartridges in our Ink and Toner Buying Guide.
Selecting the right printer cartridges for your workplace
When making your ink cartridge selection, remember these considerations:
- OEM: Quality and reliability at a premium price
- Remanufactured: Good quality, lower cost, and environmentally friendly
- Compatible (cloned): Not recommended because of the risks
The good news is you can select from OEM or remanufactured cartridges at Quill with the assurance that your cartridge will work reliably and safely. Check out the Quill ink & toner finder to find the cartridges that suit your needs best.